Traditional rafting on the Drava River recalls a time when the waterway was an important route for transporting timber and goods through Maribor. Today, the Maribor rafters preserve this heritage through trips on traditional wooden rafts. The journey usually follows the river from Koblar Bay to Lent, the historic rafting harbour below the old town.
During the trip, rafters in traditional clothing share stories of the lives and work of their predecessors. The programme combines storytelling, folk music and a traditional rafter's snack. Guests may try steering with a long rafting oar, while the rafters' initiation ceremony symbolically welcomes a participant into the rafting community.
From the water, the journey offers a different view of Lent, the riverbanks and Maribor's landmarks. Experiences range from trips on a smaller log raft, known as a hlodovec, to group journeys on a larger raft. The Maribor Tourist Association has been reviving rafting traditions for visitors since 1985.